Hi, my name is Chris Smyth. I live in a land-locked county about 100 miles from the nearest coastline so you might wonder why I am concerned about better protection for marine wildlife and the coastal environment? My answer is that we all rely on the health of our seas, whether directly for our livelihoods or because of the wider environmental role that our sea plays. Having a healthy marine environment that is abundant, encourages biodiversity and sustains vast ecosystems is in everybody’s interests.
I went along to Westminster yesterday to lobby my MP to strengthen the Marine Bill that is currently going through Parliament.
The main objective of the day was to inform our MPs that the wording of the Marine Bill doesn’t currently offer effective protection for marine wildlife and the coastal environment, and to encourage them to support amendments to the bill when it is discussed in the House of Commons. The day began at Methodist Central Hall, which is just off Parliament Square. People came from all over the country to represent their various constituencies. As we arrived we were given briefing papers outlining the weaknesses within the Marine Bill as it stands and the recommendations we should make to our respective MPs to make the bill stronger. Before departing for the Houses of Parliament we heard some inspirational speeches and rallied outside the hall in preparation for the walk through the busy Westminster streets.
It was the first time I had ever lobbied and as we walked, carrying placards, I was really unsure of what to expect and quite nervous that I might not know enough to debate with my MP. When we arrived at the central lobby in the Palace of Westminster we filled in a green card to request to see our MPs. After a brief wait, my MP’s name was called and it was time to make my case.
I was a bit disappointed to hear that my MP was unable to see me in person, as he was in a meeting, but I had a very friendly and easy discussion with the MP’s assistant.
Despite my fears, I actually found the experience very collaborative and not nearly as scary as I thought it might be. The MP’s assistant said that the MP wasn’t aware of our concerns and that it was very useful for us to highlight them. She wrote down the key points and promised that my MP would write to me with a response. I left Westminster feeling that it had been a useful and very positive experience.
If you want to get involved in the future then see the 'How you can help' section at the top of the Safeguard our sea life page.